Our Partnership With The Passage: Homeless Outreach

We know through speaking to many businesses, as well as members of the wider community, that homelessness is a big concern. As the nights get colder and darker, concern for those that are vulnerable and sleeping rough increases even more. Our outreach partner, The Passage, alongside our Street Team, works closely with individuals in the area, building relationships with them so that tailored support can be provided to help them move from the street into a home, for life. 

The Passage Community Intervention Team (CIT) provides a daytime street-based outreach service in the Baker Street Quarter area twice a week, offering tailored support to those that are rough-sleeping, many of whom have complex needs, or who engage in daytime street activity, which could include drinking and begging. They work closely with homelessness charities, Westminster City Council, and substance misuse and health services, to provide the best support for those in need. Outside of these times, our Street Team monitor the area, checking in on those that are sleeping on the streets and reporting instances of concern to The Passage to follow up on.  

What You Can Do

If you are worried about someone that is sleeping on the streets, you can inform Streetlink here 24/7. They will alert outreach teams, who go out mostly at night to connect people sleeping rough to local support services. 

To note – you should always call 999 if the person is in immediate danger, needs medical assistance, or is under 18. 

You can also report ongoing concerns to the Street Team who will work with The Passage to ensure that individual’s needs are assessed and targeted support delivered.   

The Mayor’s Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is activated when temperatures fall below 0°C and ensures councils open additional emergency accommodation for people sleeping rough. It occurred for the first time at the end of last month. Last winter, SWEP was active for 28 nights and during these periods 1,350 people were helped off the streets across the capital. 

If you would like to know more about our partnership with The Passage, you can get in touch with us here.